What is Major League Soccer?
Major League Soccer is the top division of professional soccer in the United States and Canada — 30 clubs after San Diego FC's 2025 entry, playing toward the MLS Cup playoffs. Inter Miami CF are the champions, winning MLS Cup 2025 at home 3–1 over Vancouver, with Lionel Messi the final's MVP.[1] [2]
How does it work?
MLS runs as a single entity with a salary budget, Designated Player and U22 rules, and limited international roster slots per club — a structure that shapes every roster. A regular season leads to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs; clubs also contest the U.S. Open Cup, the Leagues Cup with Mexico's Liga MX, and the Concacaf Champions Cup. From July 2027 the league shifts to the world's summer-to-spring calendar, with a bridge season in early 2027.[1] [3]
Since when does it exist?
Founded in 1993 as part of the United States' 1994 World Cup commitments, first played in 1996 with ten clubs; expansion, soccer-specific stadiums, and arrivals from Beckham (2007) to Messi (2023) built it into a 30-club league with the world's attention.[1] [4]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Inter Miami CF | MLS Cup: 3–1 vs Vancouver Whitecaps (Chase Stadium; Messi MVP) |
| 2024 | LA Galaxy | MLS Cup: 2–1 vs New York Red Bulls |
| 2023 | Columbus Crew | MLS Cup: 2–1 vs LAFC |
| 2022 | LAFC | MLS Cup: pens vs Philadelphia Union |
| 2021 | New York City FC | MLS Cup: pens vs Portland Timbers |
| 2020 | Columbus Crew | MLS Cup: 3–0 vs Seattle Sounders |
| 2019 | Seattle Sounders | MLS Cup: 3–1 vs Toronto FC |
| 2018 | Atlanta United | MLS Cup: 2–0 vs Portland Timbers |
| 2017 | Toronto FC | MLS Cup: 2–0 vs Seattle Sounders |
| 2016 | Seattle Sounders | MLS Cup: pens vs Toronto FC |
MLS Cup champions of the last ten seasons.
Why does it matter?
MLS is the professional summit of the North American club game — its roster spots (especially the coveted international slots) are contested worldwide, and its academies now produce U.S. national-team regulars and export players to Europe.[1] [2]
References
- MLS — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- MLS — Inter Miami CF win 2025 MLS Cup. Accessed August 2026.
- MLS — MLS to align calendar with top leagues around the world. Accessed August 2026.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Major League Soccer. Accessed August 2026.